Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): An Open Wound

Breast implant silicone exposure induces immunogenic response and autoimmune markers in human periprosthetic tissue

Silicone-based breast implants are commonly used, but there are concerns about their long-term safety. While implantation results in the formation of a periprosthetic tissue that isolates the implant from the rest of the host body, silicone can leak and reach surrounding tissues. We combined histological analysis and gene expression profiling (RNA sequencing) of samples from human patients with silicone breast implants with different fillers (silicone or serum), surface topographies and/or shell rupture, and performed systematic cross-comparisons. Our study shows that exposure to silicone gel filler, even in clinically asymptomatic cases, induces an immune response. This response includes the expression of markers associated with various autoimmune diseases. This study provides the first biological evidence of an association between silicone implants and autoimmune markers, highlighting the need for further research and stricter implant safety regulations. We suggest that implant design factors, such as filler type and surface texture, may influence the inflammatory response. Re-evaluation of existing clinical trials is warranted to investigate the association between implant characteristics and potential health risks.

Breast Augmentation Surgery: How Do We Do It? Results of a Joint Survey from European Association of Societies of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current perceptions, preferences, and practice of plastic surgeons in Europe regarding breast implant surgery after the controversy on macrotextured implants and BIA-ALCL and the voluntary recall of all biocell implants.

METHODS

A survey comprising 15 questions about implant selection and postoperative routines associated with breast augmentation was sent to all society members of the EASAPS.

RESULTS

Out of 1473 correspondents, 416 completed the survey with response rate being 28.2%. Countries with less than ten respondents were not included in the analysis. A total of 359 respondents (24.4%) were included in the analysis. Twenty-one respondents (5.8%) had a clinical experience < 5 years, 43 (12%) had 5-10 years' experience, and 295 (82.2%) had > 10 years' experience. Regarding the type of implant, only 6.1% would use a macrotextured implant. Fourteen per cent of surgeons would recommend to change a biocell implant in any case, even without symptoms or problems (rupture, seroma, and capsular contracture), 99.7% would send the capsule for histopathological study (99.7%), 98.9% would perform bilateral implant replacement in case of a unilateral problem of rupture, contracture, or seroma, and 80.8% of respondents considered capsulectomy as a technique for managing capsular contracture degree III/IV.

CONCLUSIONS

The main conclusion is the heterogenicity of answers and practice, due to the lack of guidelines and scientific evidence on breast implants. Although 22 (6.1%) respondents would use a macrotextured implant (either round or anatomic), 71.6% of respondents considered that there is not enough information for removing macrotextured implants from the market and that they should be allowed to be used unrestrictedly or under close surveillance of the regulatory agencies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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